Roy Hodgson insists the England team is now in a much better position than when he took over in May last year.
As the Three Lions prepare for Friday's vital World Cup qualifier with Montenegro at Wembley and Tuesday's meeting with Poland, Hodgson is of the belief that the quality of his squad is of a higher standard now than when he took the reins from Fabio Capello.
"We haven't had a marquee result, that's quite right," he said of his side's WC qualifying campaign.
"But if I compare how I feel about the team today compared to 18 months ago, just before the European Championship, we're a long way forward.
"There are so many exciting younger talents now and these two games would be a perfect opportunity to prove this and improve the mood somewhat.
"I know the players are ready for it. They're determined to do it. The match can't come quickly enough for us now and the players will not shirk their responsibility. None of us will. I'm confident we'll win."
